In response to the client's design brief Ron Holland, Jon Bannenberg and the builder Nautor, developed a unique approach to the production of a modern, high performance sailing yacht.

With these initial drawings and a fairly detailed preliminary specification we all flew to London in their Falcon executive jet to discuss the project with Jon Bannenberg. His design studio in the heart of Chelsea, full of models and artists impressions of previous commissions, is an ideal place to talk about yachts. Franz was soon convinced that Jon and I would make the new Garuda a really unique and exciting yacht. Reviewing the preliminary drawings Franz Burda agreed to allow us to produce a yacht without compromise so I stretched the design to 102 feet, which gave Jon full scope for his exciting interior and allowed the original requirements for high performance to be taken further.